guErRilla candy is Travis Hay's one-stop destination for opinionated and informed musing about all things music, ranging from noteworthy news bits about the local scene to rants about how the national music media gets more things wrong than it does right.

What I am interested in is how close this puts Live Nation to having a monopoly and what it means to the future of The Gorge. Live Nation, which is owned by Clear Channel, pretty much bought its main competition when it purchased House of Blues and now it operates more than 150 concert venues nationwide. Maybe I am being a conspiracy theorist here, and keep in mind I know nothing about federal laws when it comes to monopolies, but this sounds like a monopoly in the making.

From what I’ve read, Live Nation has attempted to buy House of Blues previously for $150 million and the offer was too low. I guess $350 milion in cash will seal the deal.

This beautiful property will be owned by Clear Channel by the end of the year.

As far as what it means for The Gorge, I don’t think Live Nation would mess with a good thing. It’s a little sad living out here in Central Washington this summer and having only a handful of shows at The Gorge. I am guessing Live Nation, which operates The Gorge’s main competition, Auburn’s White River Amphitheatre, got outbid on a lot of shows this summer, including sure fire sell outs like Kelly Clarkson, Ozzfest and Red Hot Chili Peppers. So maybe this acquisition of The Gorge will lead to better shows happening out here in my neck of the woods next year.